Savor tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish simmered in a savory broth with veggies and herbs! This Braised Fish recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s light, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: 2 SmartPoints® per serving (Blue Plan).
- Quick & Effortless: Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- High-Protein, Low-Calorie: Lean fish keeps you full and fuels muscle.
- Versatile: Swap veggies, herbs, or broth to match your pantry.
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut, 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or fish broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus zest for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for 0 points)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or olives
Instructions
Prep the Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Build Flavor:
Stir in cherry tomatoes, thyme, and optional veggies. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Braise the Fish:
Pour broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Place fish fillets on top of the veggie mixture. Arrange lemon slices over the fish. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Spoon veggies and broth over the fish.

Nutrition & SmartPoints®
Per serving (1 fillet + veggies/broth):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- SmartPoints®: 2 (Blue Plan with cooking spray)
Points may vary with olive oil or added ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Cauliflower Rice: A zero-point base to soak up the savory broth.
- With Greens: Pair with steamed asparagus, spinach, or green beans (0 points).
- Crusty Bread: Add a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping (2–3 SmartPoints®).
Pro Tips
- Fish Swap: Use salmon or shrimp (adjust points if needed).
- Boost Umami: Add 1 tbsp capers or a splash of white wine (0–1 SmartPoint®).
- Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store in airtight containers for 3 days.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Top with parsley, dill, or basil for brightness.
Why This Recipe Supports Your Goals
- Lean Protein: Fish is a zero-point protein on the Blue Plan, keeping you satisfied.
- Low-Calorie Veggies: Tomatoes, onions, and zucchini add volume without extra points.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in moderation.
This Braised Fish is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With its tender fillets, aromatic broth, and vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Whip it up for a quick dinner, pack leftovers for lunch, or serve it to guests—it’s proof that healthy eating can be effortless and elegant.
Braised Fish: A Flavorful and Easy Seafood Dish for Any Night
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes160
kcalIngredients
4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut, 4–6 oz each)
1 cup low-sodium vegetable or fish broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, sliced (plus zest for garnish)
1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for 0 points)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh rosemary)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or olives
Instructions
- Prep the Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. - Build Flavor:
Stir in cherry tomatoes, thyme, and optional veggies. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften. - Braise the Fish:
Pour broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Place fish fillets on top of the veggie mixture. Arrange lemon slices over the fish. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. - Serve:
Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Spoon veggies and broth over the fish.
Notes
- Fish Swap: Use salmon or shrimp (adjust points if needed).
Boost Umami: Add 1 tbsp capers or a splash of white wine (0–1 SmartPoint®).
Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store in airtight containers for 3 days.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Top with parsley, dill, or basil for brightness.